‘Nonsense’: Tottenham manager Antonio Conte’s damning verdict on VAR in the Premier League

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Tottenham manager Antonio Conte is not happy with the way VAR is being used in the Premier League.

Tottenham manager Antonio Conte says the idea of VAR was to help referees limit mistakes but that has not been the case in the Premier League so far.

The Spurs boss saw his side profit from a VAR decision when they faced Chelsea with defender Cristian Romero getting away with pulling Marc Cucurella’s hair before Kane headed home the equaliser for his side.

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This week the use of VAR has dominated the headlines again after Chelsea this time profited from a late call that denied Maxwel Cornet and West Ham a leveller.

Tottenham Hotspur Manager, Antonio Conte speaks to the press ahead of their UEFA Champions League  (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)Tottenham Hotspur Manager, Antonio Conte speaks to the press ahead of their UEFA Champions League  (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)
Tottenham Hotspur Manager, Antonio Conte speaks to the press ahead of their UEFA Champions League (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Newcastle United also had a goal controversially ruled out for what they described as a foul from Joe Willock on Crystal Palace goalkeeper Vicente Guaita - despite Tyrick Mitchell pushing Willock into Guaita.

There have been intense calls to have ex-players play a role in the VAR room.

But Tottenham manager Antonio Conte says stakeholders must have a careful think as it could get dangerous with the way VAR is being used in the Premier League at the moment.

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He told reporters ahead of the Champions League against Marseille: “You know what I said in the past about the VAR.

“I think to go again is not right but I can tell you only my hope that they go to improve and try to find the right line of the decision.

“Because in this moment the line is not the same line and the same vision and this is really dangerous.

“This is really dangerous because in this way you risk giving advantage to some teams and penalise other teams.”

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He added: “I think the VAR has to be something to help the referees, not to help the referees to make mistakes.

“Otherwise it is nonsense to have VAR and to use VAR in this way.”

Spurs are unbeaten in the first six games of the season but the true strength of their squad will be tested now Champions League football is starting.

They take on Marseille on Wednesday night before meeting Premier League Champions Manchester City at the Etihad this weekend.

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